Sam Yorke and Tomás Gormley opened up Heron in 2021 following a successful pop-up-at-home dining experience during the pandemic and have since opened two fine dining restaurants. Two Edinburgh cooks have been shortlisted in the “Chef to Watch” category at The Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards.

Sam Yorke and Tomás Gormley opened up Heron in 2021 following a successful pop-up-at-home dining experience during the pandemic. The pair then went on to open their second venue, Skua, in Stockbridge in March 2023.

With all other finalists in the category from Wales and England, Sam Yorke and Tomás are the only Scottish chefs shortlisted.

This comes after they received a Michelin star for Heron, making them the youngest chefs in Scotland to receive a star for their restaurant.

Over the years, the pair worked in some of Scotland’s top kitchens including includes Restaurant Andrew Fairlie, Castle Terrace and Tom Kitchin’s Bonnie Badger, before opening up their pop-up in 2021.

Tomás was named one of six UK chefs named ‘one to watch’ at The Staff Canteen Awards 2020, while Sam Yorke trained extensively under chef Dominic Jack at Castle Terrace in Edinburgh, rising from commis chef to become sous chef.

Sam and Tomás opened Heron in 2021 and have picked up a few accolades since, including a listing in The Michelin Guide and a shortlisting for ‘Best Breakthrough’ in the GQ Food and Drink Awards 2022. Sam Yorke was also recently named in The Code 30 under 30 class for 2023/24 as one of the most exciting young chefs in the UK.

The National Restaurant Awards are judged by an academy panel of chefs, food writers and restaurateurs. The award winner will be announced in June.